Whatever happens in the coming weeks, Jaime Jaquez Jr will have had a hell of a rookie season with Miami! Before the Floridians' victory in Washington last night, the former UCLA resident looked back on his experience of the NBA world and its demands.
Like last season, Miami was not spared from injuries and the guard/winger took the opportunity to show off, to the point of becoming the Heat player who participated in the greatest number of matches during this regular season ( 67). If he had to remember a first lesson, as for many rookies, it is the length of the season and the level of physical preparation that one must have to resist it.
“I think the biggest challenge is the longevity of the season”, he confirmed. “There are a lot of games, and I think you never understand until you get there. I think that was the biggest thing for me, enduring the sequence of matches and the longevity of the season.”
A rookie season full of challenges
Hit in the shoulder in the preseason, Jaime Jaquez Jr. also had to return from a groin injury during the month of January from which he struggled to recover, dropping 14 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists decisive shots at 51.3% shooting skill (including 35.3% from 3-point range) over his first 39 games at a much less glorious stat line following his return (9.7 points, 4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and above all 43.9% shooting shooting success, including 23.9% from 3-point range).
However, the 18th choice of the last Draft does not only blame this drop in performance on his injury. The adjustments of his opponents, particularly low post, also helped to change the situation.
“It could be many things. I don't want to pin this on anything in particular. For the most part, it's more about my ability to be mentally ready. I'm just trying to play my game and do what I can to help the team win.”he added to explain his slight decline over the past two months, before discussing the adjustments of opposing defenses. “I take that as a mark of respect. The guys care about me now. That's what we want, as a player. Now my next step is how to adjust to these new defensive coverages, and do the right thing. When the double take comes, how can I manipulate the defense to my advantage? It's one of the most important things we talk about. Use my influence on defense to find open players and get good shots.”
Beyond the hard hits that will help him move forward and progress, Jaime Jaquez Jr. will also remember the good times spent since entering the NBA, whether it was his 31-point, 10-rebound game against the Sixers to celebrate Christmas, or his participation in the “Rising Stars Challenge” or the “Slam Dunk Contest”.
To continue moving forward, it will be necessary to preserve this same freshness and the same enthusiasm in the future.
“Take a step back and appreciate everything”he explained to keep his feet on the ground. “Really having a grateful approach and being happy to be able to do what I love. This is the work I have to do and I really enjoy doing it. Then I try to relax every now and then. Sitting by the pool, relaxing, soaking up the Miami sun and trying to find the right balance.”
| Jaime Jaquez, Jr. | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2023-24 | MIA | 66 | 29 | 48.7 | 31.1 | 80.3 | 1.2 | 2.8 | 3.9 | 2.6 | 2.3 | 1.1 | 1.5 | 0.2 | 12.3 |
| Total | 66 | 29 | 48.7 | 31.1 | 80.3 | 1.2 | 2.8 | 3.9 | 2.6 | 2.3 | 1.1 | 1.5 | 0.2 | 12.3 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
